Stand Height and Stability?

I am debating on building a stand for my 55g tank. The dimensions are 48 x 12 x 20. I want my stand to be 34 inches tall, but I don't know if the stand would be to top heavy. Does anyone have any suggestions on this? I plan on putting a 20-30 gallon sump in the stand also. If this is going to be to top heavy, is there a way to stablize it? Any drawings would help greatly as I am a visual learner.

 

You could anchor the stand to the wall with a simple cleat, and a few long bolts anchored to studs. With a stand of that height, it would be a good idea - especially if you have any little ones running around. :

Here's a basic drawing I put together:

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Mine is 31.5" and a little low for my taste. Make sure you build the stand wide enough front to back to fit a 40 gallon tank INSIDE once the 2x4s are constructed inside.

 

Unless there is some side ways force on the tank/stand, and/or not level anyways, it should be fine. the anchoring thing is always an opotion. With the force of the weight of the DT, unless the stand is not stable, it would take a great force to put the CG outside the base- (falling over) - in other words, once full of water/rocks- it should be fine.

 

I built a stand for my 65 gal tank that is 42" tall and it would take a truck to pull it over

 

My 125G is 40" or 42" on the stand. All I did was make the base a few inches wider by using thick trim around the bottom.

 

My worry is with the tank being to narrow it will be unstable and if my 2 year old pushes on my tank that it will tip over.

The anchor bolts are a good idea, and I will probably do that. But I have another quick question. How wide can I build my stand to accommodate my 55g tank. I have read that the legs should hold the weight, but if I make it to wide it the legs wouldnt be directly under it.

Am I just over thinking this or are these valid concerns?

 

Don't forget, the tank when filled will weigh over 500 lbs. Plus if you have anything in the sump, that will make it that much more stable. I will measure my stand for my 55 tonight, but I bet it is around the same height. I don't think I could push it over if I tried!

Now my JBJ 28 on the other hand, that one I could push over

 

awesome, thank you marshall O.

 

My four year old stand on the ledge and hangs on to the little feeder door to feed the fish. If it's level the weight of the tank and sump will weigh it down.